Which HGV License Do You Need to Drive A Bus?

By Tommy Flemm 5 years ago

Ask any child what he or she wants to be when he or she grows up, and you’re going to get a variety of answers. Of course, those answers are going to be limited. A bus driver is a popular answer per Bots. Who could blame these kids? Any kid would love to drive around in a 12.5-tonne vehicle that allows others to go from point A to point B. It’s quite a rewarding job to drive a bus, however, many don’t understand how to become a bus driver. What sort of training is required to become a bus driver?

License And Requirements For Driving A Bus

The government is very strict in regards to driving large-sized vehicles, especially those that transport people in lieu of goods. They have some basic requirements that include the following:

  • All drivers must be over the age of 18 years old
  • Drivers must have a CPC or certificate of professional competence
  • Drivers must first have a full car license

Of course, there are also specific endorsements that are required including a CAT D license as a base and then if you wish to attach a trailer to the bus, you’ll need a CAT D & E. Similarly, passing the C+E licence test is a requirement for operating an articulated vehicle or a rigid vehicle towing a large trailer. These licenses can be procured via a Driver CPC if you wish to be a professional driver. If you wish to become a bus driver, you’ll also have to be over the age of 24 and have a CAT D license in your possession. A bus is classified as over 8 passenger seats. You’ll first require a CAT B license.

The CAT B License

Prior to obtaining your CAT D license, you’ll have to first earn your CAT B license. This may sound like lots of hard work, but, we have great news, a CAT B license is simply an industry term for a regular driver’s license. A regular driver’s license allows you to drive a regular car. You can also tow a trailer of up to 750 KG. If you’re over the age of 21, a motorized tricycle that has the power of over 15KW as well. So, you’ll not only be able to drive but you can specialize.

What Does the CAT D Training Cover?

If you wish to drive a bus, you’ll have to have a CAT D license in order to drive the bus. Just as many of the other kinds of HGV or LGV licenses, CAT D is divided into two main parts. There is the theory and the practical. The training modules are designed to teach people how to drive professionals and to keep themselves, and their passengers safe. This can help to set you up to become a professional driver. The training will include:

Rules and regulations for driving a bus focusing on maintenance and general fixes for the vehicle.
Customer service tips.
How to keep yourself and passengers safe while you’re on the road, loading, or unloading and for those who share the road.
Risk management and being aware of what is going on around you.

By the time your training is over, you’ll be prepared to sit for your theory and your practical tests. Once you pass, you’ll be all set for driving a bus.

How Do I Get My CAT D License?

Give us a call. Easy HGV offers you a wide array of courses for HGV training. These include training for both CAT D as well as Driver CPC for new drivers. You can get a “crash course” in your training of large vehicle driving in general as well as your bus driver’s license all right here with us. Not only can we train you, but we can also help you in obtaining your first bus driving job so that you can get to work immediately upon completion of your course. This will give you the best possible start for your new career as a bus driver over the road. You’ll appreciate the attention we give our students in their theory and practical lessons.